Students come to Saint Paul Preparatory School to prepare for their futures while learning more about the world, and ultimately themselves.

President Dan McKeown opened the meeting on a chilly spring day, and called upon DAVID LAIRD to lead everyone in singing America in four part harmony, without a piano. 

 

KEN PETERSON delivered the invocation, giving thanks for the blessings of spring, and our fellowship.  KATHLEEN RILEY introduced one guest; a prospective member.

 

President Dan thanked TOM FARNHAM and JOHN GUTHMANN for their service leading the two recent meetings in his absence, and thanked BILL COLLINS for hosting the happy hour social at his facility last week.  SUE CAMMACK and THOMAS TOLBERT were thanked for their service as door greeters!

 

Next up at the podium, STEVE GERBER promoted Rotarian involvement with the Camp RYLA activities – this year there is a change of pace, as the traditional barbecue will instead be Sunday lunch on April 28 at the Boy Scout Base Camp at Fort Snelling – where the RYLA campers will gather after their morning packing event contribution to Feed My Starving Children.  Rotarians are encouraged to join them for lunch and ethical discussions during the meal.

 

Next up, KATHLEEN RILEY promoted participation in part or all of the April 18-20 District Conference.  Our own past president JOE KOVARIK is of course presiding – so we need our own club members to be out in force!  Held at the hotel across from the 3M campus, the lunch on Friday the 19th is our official meeting that week, instead of a lunch on Tuesday.

 

BO AYLIN came to the front to remind everyone that the weekend of April 27 is our Feed My Starving Children packing event, and we need everyone to turn out their neighbors, family, church members, and anyone to fill our packing shifts.  Please go to our website to register a block of people for a block of time!

 

ImageThe membership campaign has not concluded, but it is shifting into a new phase.  SHELLY RUCKS announced that BONNIE HOLUB had won the “on the ice” hockey tickets from President Dan – there were seven Rotarians who brought in ten new members during the campaign.  She went on to introduce new member BETH NAUGHTON, a native of West St. Paul and 1983 Queen of the Snows.  Beth has had a career in insurance as well as non-profit work, at the Minnesota Historical Society most recently.

Happy Dollars brought news of new homes, childrens’ successes, family medical news, and business expansions.  A good way to keep current with a large Rotary family.

 

MARK HENNEMAN introduced our speaker.  Dr. Charles Briscoe has been a professional educator (and a former Rotarian from Rochester!) for nearly 40 years.  He became principal of St. Paul Preparatory School, an international private college preparatory school in downtown St. Paul nearly three years ago.

He appeared in Tuxedo, as he wears one every Tuesday as a reminder to his students that making a good first impression is critical.  There are 220 students from 32 countries.  The school first opened at Hamline University in 2003, but recent growth has been significant.  It is still a unique and well-kept secret in downtown St. Paul, however.

 

His secret is a carefully selected staff – focused on specialty work in cultural exchange, success skills for a global society, building proficiency in English, and a strong arts program.  80% of the students have English as their second language – or their third, fourth or fifth.  He introduced two of his staff members:  first was Jodi, who spoke about experiential learning and service learning, and the extensive internships that the school facilitates.

 

Next was Jennifer, who works with 52 different organizations around the world to facilitate admissions.  Along with the staff were seven different young men and women from five different countries – France, Afghanistan, Romania, Vietnam and China.  They spoke about their internships Imageteaching languages, pursuing careers, working as tutors in libraries, technology centers and for the St. Paul Police Department.  More internships and host families are in high demand – help if you can!

 

John Andrews, Scribe